Collapsible tote bag

ABSTRACT

A collapsible tote bag is provided having a generally rectangular base and side walls extending in a generally vertical direction from the base to define an enclosed area. The side walls are formed of a flexible plastic material and a pair of opposed side walls are respectively provided with first and second handle members along the top edges thereof to facilitate carrying the bag in a first configuration wherein the side walls are fully vertically extended. A third handle is mounted on one of these opposed side walls at a position located approximately halfway between the base and the tops of the first and second handles. The side walls are foldable to a second configuration wherein the first and second handles are positioned adjacent the other side wall of said opposed pair near the base, thereby positioning the third handle at the top of the folded configuration. Fastening means is mounted on the other side wall adjacent the base for securing the first and second handles to the side wall to permit carrying of the bag with the third handle in the folded configuration of the bag.

United States Patent Polansky [52] U.S. Cl. ..229/54 R, ISO/1.7, 150/12, 190/57 [51] Int. Cl ..B65d 33/00 [58] Field ofSearch ..l50/l.7, 33, 12; 229/54 R; 224/46 R; 190/57, 58 C [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,450,040 9/1948 Gibson ISO/1.7 2,871,900 2/1959 Auditore.... ....l50/l.7 3,142,324 7/1964 Fremont l 50/l.7

Primary Examiner-Joseph R. Leclair Assistant Examiner-Stephen P. Garbe Attorney-Lewis H. Eslinger, Alvin Sinderbrand and Curtis, Morris & Safford 1 July 11, 1972 [57] ABSTRACT A collapsible tote bag is provided having a generally rectangular base and side walls extending in a generally vertical direction from the base to define an enclosed area. The side walls are formed of a flexible plastic material and a pair of 0pposed side walls are respectively provided with first and second handle members along the top edges thereof to facilitate carrying the bag in a first configuration wherein the side walls are fully vertically extended. A third handle is mounted on one of these opposed side walls at a position located approximately halfway between the base and the tops of the first and second handles. The side walls are foldable to a second configuration wherein the first and second handles are positioned adjacent the other side wall of said opposed pair near the base, thereby positioning the third handle at the top of the folded configuration. Fastening means is mounted on the other side wall adjacent the base for securing the first and second handles to the side wall to permit carrying of the bag with the third handle in the folded configuration of the bag.

14 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEQJUL 11 1912 V 3.675.843

SHEET 1 OF 2 //v vavro? Sums YI m Y ATTORNEY COLLAPSIBLE TOTE BAG This invention relates to tote bag constructions, and more particularly to a collapsible tote bag which is provided with a plurality of handles for carrying the bag in either of two configurations.

Tote bags and/or shopping bags have previously been proposed in which the bags are provided with a pair of handles at the top edges of the bag for carrying the bag with the side walls thereof fully vertically extended. Such bags have been satisfactory in use; however, when the bag is not fully packed the excessive length thereof renders the bag cumbersome and difficult to handle. Typically, with only a small package within the bag, the bag presents an untidy appearance with the sides bending in towards each other and the bag tends to swing during walking, thereby continuously contacting the legs of the person who is carrying the bag and further causing the bag to be inadvertently banged or knocked into other objects along the carriers path of travel. Moreover, when the bag is placed down and the handles let go, the top of the bag collapses, providing a sloppy appearance and often the weight of the top of the bag is sufficient to cause the bag to tumble over on its side, causing damage to any delicate articles carried within the bag.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to permit the size of a tote or shopping bag to be varied in accordance with the size of articles carried therein.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a collapsible tote bag which may be converted from a fully extended configuration wherein the bag is adapted tocarry articles throughout its entire enclosed area, to a folded configuration wherein the bag is adapted to carry substantially smaller articles.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tote bag which may be folded to a compact configuration when not in use.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a collapsible tote bag which is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction.

In accordance with an aspect of this invention, a collapsible tote bag is provided which includes a generally rectangular base member having a first pair of generally vertically extending side walls secured respectively to opposite edges of the base and a second pair of generally vertically extending side walls secured respectively to the remaining edges of the base and to adjacent portions of the first pair of side walls, thereby to define an enclosed area adapted to receive articles therein. The first pair of side walls each has a top edge to which first and second handles are respectively secured in generally parallel relation to facilitate carrying the bag in a first configuration wherein all of the side walls are fully vertically extended. A third handle is mounted on one of the side walls of the first pair at a position located approximately halfway between the base and the tops of the first and second handles. The side walls of the bag are formed of a flexible material and are foldable to a second configuration wherein the first and second handles are positioned adjacent the other side wall of the first pair near the base thereby to position the third handle at the top of the folded configuration. A fastening means is provided on the other side wall adjacent the base for securing the first and second handles to the side walls to provide support for the handles and to facilitate carrying the bag with the third handle in the folded configuration. In the folded configuration articles of smaller size may be contained within the bag and the bag in this configuration is more convenient to carry and provides a pleasant and neat appearance.

Since the bag is formed of a flexible material, when not in use, the bag may be folded into a relatively compact configuration with all of the side walls folded down adjacent the base member to provide a relatively flat storage configuration for the bag.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of this invention, will be apparent in the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing,

wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible tote bag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the collapsible tote bag of FIG. 1 and is taken on lines 2--2 thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. I, but showing the collapsible tote bag in its folded configuration for carrying small articles; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the collapsible tote bag of the present invention folded in its compact configuration for storage.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIG. 1 thereof, it will be seen that a collapsible tote bag 10 embodying the present invention, is shown therein in its fully extended configuration wherein the entire enclosed area 12 defined by the bag structure is adapted to contain articles to be transported. Bag 10 is formed by a generally rectangular base 14 to which a plurality of flexible side wall members are secured to define enclosed area 12. A first pair of side walls, 16 and 18, are secured to base 14 along the smaller dimensioned sides, 17 and 19, thereof. A second pair of side walls 20 and 22, are secured to the long edges 24 and 26 of base 14 and are secured along their vertically extending edges to the adjacent edges of side walls 16 and 18 respectively.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, base 14 and side walls 16-22 are formed of a flexible heat sealable plastic material so that the junctions between the edges of the various elements are readily secured together in an inexpensive heat sealing process. Further, as seen in FIG. 1, a portion of the side walls 20 and 22 are formed of a foraminous and/or woven material so as to permit viewing of the contents in the bag and, in addition, to permit air flow through the bag to keep the contents therein at ambient temperatures and prevent excessive heat buildup within the plastic bag.

The top edges 28 and 30 of the side walls 20 and 22, are respectively provided with relatively flat handles, 32 and 34, for transporing the bag in its fully extended vertical position as illustrated in FIG. 1. Handles 32 and 34 are preferably formed of a relatively hard interior member (not shown), such as for example paperboard or a hard plastic sheet, which is covered by the same flexible material utilized to form the side walls of the bag. In this manner a rigid handle is provided which may be heat sealed to the side walls themselves. Each of the handles, 32 and 34, is provided with an aperture 35 through which the hand may be inserted to close the top of the bag and permit carrying thereof. In the fully extended vertical configuration of the bag the entire volume of enclosed area 12 is available for insertion of packages and the like to be carried by the individual utilizing the bag.

Base 14 is preferably provided with a flat plate-like member 25 which maintains the base of the bag in its generally rectangular configuration when heavy articles, which may tend to deform the base, are placed in the bag. Plate 25 may be formed of a flat hard paperboard or plastic sheet that is merely laid in the bottom of the bag, or alternatively, the plate may be formed within an envelope of flexible heat sealable plastic material similar to that used to form the side walls of the bag. The envelope would in this case form the base and would then be heat sealed to the side walls.

Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it is seen that the wall 22 of bag 10 is provided with a third handle 36 that is secured to side wall 22 at a location wherein the handle is positioned approximately halfway between base 14 and top edges 38 of handles 32 and 34. Handle 36 is provided in order to permit carrying the collapsible tote bag 10 in a folded configuration when articles of relatively small size are carried. This construction, as described hereinafter, eliminates the excessive and unused portions of the bag above handle 36, in order to provide a compact bag for the small articles.

Handle 36 is formed as a generally rectangular member having a hard base portion 40 which is enclosed in a heat shrinkable plastic material similar to that of which the side walls of the bag are formed and is heat sealed to side wall 22 by a conventional heat sealing operation. Plate 40 is provided with a flexible plastic flat loop handle member 42 which is heat sealed to the surface of the plate.

Due to the flexible character of the material of which the bat is formed, when smaller articles are placed in the bag, the top portion of the bag above handle 36 may be folded downwardly with respect to the lower portion of the bag such that handles 32 and 34 are moved into position adjacent the lower portion of side wall 20 near base 14. A fastening member 44 is secured to the side wall 20 adjacent base 14 to secure handles 32 and 34 to the side wall and permit carrying of the bag by means of handle 36. Fastening member 44 is a flexible plastic loop having one end 46 thereof secured to wall 20 in any convenient manner, such as, for example, by heat sealing. The free end 48 of fastening member 44 is adapted to be inserted through apertures 35 and handles 32 and 34, as seen in FIG. 3, in order to hold these handles together and fasten them to side wall 20.

Ends 46 and 48 of fastening member 44 are provided with a conventional fastening member to secure these ends together. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention fastener 44 is provided with a snap fastener 50 having conventional male and female members respectively positioned on the ends 46 and 48 of member 44. As seen in FIG. 3, by this construction a relatively compact bag is provided for carrying the smaller desired articles.

To further complement the compact arrangement of the bag and to enhance the appearance thereof in its folded configuration, side walls 16 and 18 are each provided with a crease 52 which extends in a generally perpendicular direction from base 14 and is located at an intermediate portion thereof. Creases 52 bias the central portions of walls 16 and 18 inwardly towards enclosed area 12 so that when handles 32 and 34 are moved towards each other in the carrying position illustrated in FIG. 1 or when the bag is folded into its second configuration, illustrated in FIG. 3, the portions of walls 16 and 18 on opposite sides of crease 52 tend to fold towards each other in a compact configuration. It is noted that walls 16 and 18 may be integral members with a crease 52 heat sealed therein, or alternatively, the crease may be provided by forming walls 16 and 18 by two narrow strips of plastic material joined together along one edge, which edge would define crease 52.

When no articles are being carried in bag 10, and when it is desired to store the bag or carry it under the arm in a more compact configuration, the flexible nature of the material of which the bag is formed facilitates providing a second fold in the bag so that the portion 54 f the bag between handle 36 and base 14 may be folded down adjacent handle 34 to provide a narrow folded configuration (FIG. 4) of the bag which is convenient for storage.

It is noted that side walls 20 and 22 may be reinforced along the top edges adjacent their junction with handles 32 and 34 respectively. This reinforcing may be provided in a similar manner to the reinforcing of handles 32 and 34 and base 25. That is, relatively hard paperboard or plastic sheet (not shown) may be provided which is enclosed within an envelope of flexible heat sealable plastic material that is secured along the edge to handles 32 and 34 respectively and along their other edge to the top edge of side walls 20 and 22.

It is thus seen that by the construction of collapsible tote bag 10, in accordance with the present invention, a convenient and inexpensive bag is provided for carrying articles of various sizes. The bag readily contains large and numerous articles in its fully extended configuration illustrated in FIG. 2. Further, because of the plastic and reinforced plastic construction, bag is adapted to contain articles of relatively great weight. When it is desired to carry articles of small size, the bag is conveniently folded into its second or folded configuration, illustrated in FIG. 2, to provide a neat, compact package which is readily carried by handle 36. This construction eliminates the relatively sloppy appearance of previously proposed tote bags which could not be folded or carried in the manner of applicants bag 10. In addition, the bag in its folded configuration is more convenient to carry as the weight is closer to the hand and the bag does not tend to swing in this configuration as it would with a small package at the bottom of the bag when the bag is in its fully extended vertical configuration. Moreover, the construction of the bag in accordance with the present invention permits the bag to be folded into the relatively flat compact configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 for storage when the bag is not in use.

Although an illustrative embodiment of the present invention has been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A tote bag comprising a base, a flexible side wall secured to the periphery of said base and extending generally vertically therefrom to define an enclosed area, said side wall having a top edge, first and second handles mounted-respectively on said top edge in generally opposed parallel relation to facilitate carrying said bag in a first position wherein said side wall is fully vertically extended, a third handle mounted on said side wall at a position located approximately halfway between said base and the tops of said first and second handles, said flexible side wall being foldable to a second position wherein said first and second handles are positioned adjacent a portion of said side wall on the side thereof opposite said third handle and near said base, thereby positioning said third handle at the top of the folded configuration, and means adjacent said base mounted on said side wall on the side thereof opposite said third handle for securing said first and second handles to said side wall to facilitate carrying said bag with said third handle.

2. A tote bag as defined in claim 1 wherein said first and second handles are flexibly secured to said side wall.

3. A tote bag as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises a flexible loop fixed at one end to said side wall, a free end adapted to be inserted through said first and second handles and means for fastening said one end and said free end together.

4. A tote bag as defined in claim 3 wherein said fastening means comprises a snap fastener.

5. A tote bag as in claim 1 wherein a substantial portion of said side wall is formed of a foraminous material.

6. A tote bag comprising, a base member having at least four edges, a first pair of generally vertically extending side walls secured respectively to opposite edges of said base, a second pair of generally vertically extending side walls secured respectively to the remaining edges of said base and to adjacent portions of said first pair of side walls to define an enclosed area, said first pair of side walls each having a top edge, first and second handles respectively secured to the top edges of said first pair of side walls in generally parallel relation to facilitate carrying said bag in a first configuration wherein said side walls are fully vertically extended, a third handle mounted on one of the side walls of said first pair at a position located approximately halfway between said base and the top of said first and second handles, said side walls being formed of a flexible material and foldable to a second configuration wherein said first and second handles are positioned adjacent the other side wall of said first pair near said base thereby to position said third handle at the top of the folded configuration, and means mounted on said other side wall adjacent said base for securing said first and second handles to said side wall to facilitate carrying said bag with said third handle.

7. A tote bag as in claim 6 wherein said securing means comprises a flexible loop fixed at one end to said other side wall, a free end adapted to be inserted through said first and second handles, and means for fastening said one end and said free end together.

8. A tote bag as in claim 7 wherein said fastening means comprises a snap fastener.

1 l. A tote bag as in claim 10 wherein said side walls and said base are formed of a heat scalable plastic material.

12. A tote bag as in claim 11 wherein said side walls are secured to each other and to said base by heat sealing.

13. A tote bag as in claim 12 wherein a substantial portion of said first pair of side walls is formed of a foraminous heat sealable plastic material.

14. A tote bag as in claim 10 wherein said base includes a relatively flat rigid reinforcing member. 

1. A tote bag comprising a base, a flexible side wall secured to the periphery of said base and extending generally vertically therefrom to define an enclosed area, said side wall having a top edge, first and second handles mounted respectively on said top edge in generally opposed parallel relation to facilitate carrying said bag in a first position wherein said side wall is fully vertically extended, a third handle mounted on said side wall at a position located approximately halfway between said base and the tops of said first and second handles, said flexible side wall being foldable to a second position wherein said first and second handles are positioned adjacent a portion of said side Wall on the side thereof opposite said third handle and near said base, thereby positioning said third handle at the top of the folded configuration, and means adjacent said base mounted on said side wall on the side thereof opposite said third handle for securing said first and second handles to said side wall to facilitate carrying said bag with said third handle.
 2. A tote bag as defined in claim 1 wherein said first and second handles are flexibly secured to said side wall.
 3. A tote bag as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises a flexible loop fixed at one end to said side wall, a free end adapted to be inserted through said first and second handles and means for fastening said one end and said free end together.
 4. A tote bag as defined in claim 3 wherein said fastening means comprises a snap fastener.
 5. A tote bag as in claim 1 wherein a substantial portion of said side wall is formed of a foraminous material.
 6. A tote bag comprising, a base member having at least four edges, a first pair of generally vertically extending side walls secured respectively to opposite edges of said base, a second pair of generally vertically extending side walls secured respectively to the remaining edges of said base and to adjacent portions of said first pair of side walls to define an enclosed area, said first pair of side walls each having a top edge, first and second handles respectively secured to the top edges of said first pair of side walls in generally parallel relation to facilitate carrying said bag in a first configuration wherein said side walls are fully vertically extended, a third handle mounted on one of the side walls of said first pair at a position located approximately halfway between said base and the top of said first and second handles, said side walls being formed of a flexible material and foldable to a second configuration wherein said first and second handles are positioned adjacent the other side wall of said first pair near said base thereby to position said third handle at the top of the folded configuration, and means mounted on said other side wall adjacent said base for securing said first and second handles to said side wall to facilitate carrying said bag with said third handle.
 7. A tote bag as in claim 6 wherein said securing means comprises a flexible loop fixed at one end to said other side wall, a free end adapted to be inserted through said first and second handles, and means for fastening said one end and said free end together.
 8. A tote bag as in claim 7 wherein said fastening means comprises a snap fastener.
 9. A tote bag as in claim 7 wherein said base is generally rectangular.
 10. A tote bag as in claim 9 wherein the side walls of said second pair are respectively creased at an intermediate portion thereof along a line extending generally perpendicular to said base in said first configuration, said crease being directed inwardly of said bag whereby the side walls of said second pair are folded to a compact configuration along a substantial portion of their length when said side walls are moved to said second configuration.
 11. A tote bag as in claim 10 wherein said side walls and said base are formed of a heat sealable plastic material.
 12. A tote bag as in claim 11 wherein said side walls are secured to each other and to said base by heat sealing.
 13. A tote bag as in claim 12 wherein a substantial portion of said first pair of side walls is formed of a foraminous heat sealable plastic material.
 14. A tote bag as in claim 10 wherein said base includes a relatively flat rigid reinforcing member. 